World Day Against Colon Cancer March 31, 2019

On the occasion of World Colon Cancer Day, it is seen that it is the second most important cancer in Argentina, with nearly 13,500 new cases per year and 20 deaths per day.

From whats 50-year-old person, so-called preneoplastic lesions may appear in the colon and rectum (premalignant) called adenomatous polyps: it would be like warts coming out of the lumen of the intestine. These benign lesions, not detected early and suppressed, lead to colorectal cancer (CRC).

Just one 27% of people between 50 and 75 are diagnosed, so most cancers are detected at an advanced stage, which greatly complicates their treatment.

In addition to checks after 50 years, experts say that it is necessary to improve the daily diet. A diet rich in red meats and cooked sausages and low in vegetables is badociated with an increased risk of CRC. A balanced diet is indicated not only to prevent CRC, but also for other chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, including calcium-rich foods such as dairy products. It is also suggested to suppress smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, avoid sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

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The importance of colonoscopy

Early diagnosis can cure 90% of colon cancerSince today, March 31st, is the World Day for the Fight Against Colon Cancer. At present, this disease causes the death of twenty people a day in Argentina. In men, it is the third cancer in order of frequency, after lung cancer and prostate cancer, and in women, the second most common, after bad cancer.

Who should have a colonoscopy?

They are more likely to develop colorectal cancer who have symptoms and signs that may be due to diseases that alter the colonsuch as hemorrhages, anemia, chronic or acute diarrhea, mucus in the stool, weight loss, abdominal mbad and intestinal obstruction.

It is also advisable to do it in those who have had acute diverticulitis – once the crisis has been overcome and in case of suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, of years , among others.
People over 50 with a family history of colon cancer, polyposis or related diseases should also be tested. It is also indicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease for more than eight years or operated on and treated for colon cancer, among others.
Depending on the case and the results of colonoscopy, some may be performed every five or ten years, while others must be performed every year or every three years.

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